News Archives for Latest - 2020-12-02

Europe

France new COVID-19 cases up 14,064 in 24 hours

The number of people in France who have died from COVID-19 infections in hospitals rose by 313 in 24 hours to 37,002.
The cumulative number of COVID-19 cases now totals 2,244,635,

Updated 03 Dec, 2020 12:09am

Pakistan

Barrister Farogh Naseem tests positive for COVID-19

A spokesman of the ministry confirmed the report and said that the minister has self-quarantined himself at his residence in Karachi.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 08:44pm

Europe

Putin orders Russia to begin mass COVID-19 vaccinations

President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian authorities on Wednesday to begin mass voluntary vaccinations against COVID-19 next week as Russia recorded 589 new daily deaths from the coronavirus.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 08:14pm

Europe

EU tells Brexit negotiator: don't let deadline force bad trade deal

The European Union’s chief Brexit negotiator told member states’ envoys on Wednesday that negotiations on a trade deal with Britain were reaching “a make-or-break moment”, and they urged him not to be rushed into an unsatisfactory agreement.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 08:07pm

South Asia

Afghan government, Taliban announce breakthrough deal to pursue peace talks

Afghan government and Taliban representatives said on Wednesday they had reached a preliminary deal to press on with peace talks, their first written agreement in 19 years of war and welcomed by the United Nations and Washington.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 08:05pm

Pakistan

ECC removes 5pc duty on cotton yarn imports to enhance value-added exports

The approval was given after detailed discussion on the proposal of Ministry of Commerce, according to press statement issued by the Finance Ministry.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 07:34pm

Pakistan

Sindh reports over 1,900 new COVID-19 case mostly in Karachi

Giving daily briefing, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah said virus has claimed 2,968 lives across the province since the pandemic began.

Updated 02 Dec, 2020 07:35pm

Pakistan

Govt. releases Rs548.890 for 15 Aviation sector projects in five months

According to the official data, the government has authorized/disbursed an amount of Rs. 548.890 as of November 27.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 07:26pm

Pakistan

Shipping Activity at Port Qasim

Meanwhile two more ships, Pacific Constant and Shao Shan-5 carrying 59,428 tonnes Coal and 57,519 tonnes Wheat also arrived at outer anchorage of Port Qasim during the last 24 hours.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 07:24pm

Pakistan

CPI inflation decelerates to 8.3 percent on YoY basis

According to PBS data, the Urban CPI inflation increased by 7.0pc on year-on-year basis in November 2020 as compared to an increase of 7.3pc in the previous month and 12.1pc in November 2019.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 07:21pm

Pakistan

Sindh Police reports 51 new COVID-19 patients in three days

He told that currently 202 officers and personnel were under treatment while 3481 had returned to their homes after recovering from the disease.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 07:20pm

Pakistan

Gold price increases Rs1600 to Rs110,800 per tola

The price of per tola and ten gram silver remained stable at Rs. 1200 and Rs. 1028.80.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 07:18pm

Pakistan

Shibli Faraz for enhanced Pak-China media, cultural cooperation

The minister said that CPEC was an important project for both China and Pakistan as it strengthened and promoted regional connectivity.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 07:16pm

Pakistan

UK authorities asked to extradite Nawaz Sharif: Shahzad

Opposition was now trying to hold another small gathering "Jalsi" in Lahore. They have endangering the lives of the people by exposing them in crowds.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 07:12pm

Industry

International Smart Phone Brand VIVO to Start Manufacturing in Pakistan: Hammad Azhar

International Smart Phone Brand VIVO has decided to establish a smart phone manufacturing facility in Pakistan, according to a recent tweet by Hammad Azhar.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 07:06pm

Pakistan

52 more tested positive for COVID-19 in Faisalabad

Deputy District Officer Health Dr. Asif Shehzad told APP on Wednesday that 446 coronavirus tests were conducted in public and private laboratories, out of these reports,52 were positive.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 07:10pm

Pakistan

PM briefed on two newly developed GB national parks; reintroduction of Ladakh Urial

He briefed that the said two national parks were established under the Primer Minister Protected Areas Initiatives with a total area of 3649 square kilometers.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 07:07pm

Pakistan

Rupee loses 65 paisas against US dollar

In interbank trading, the price of euro appreciated by Rs. 1.97 and closed at Rs. 193.39 against the last day’s trading of Rs. 191.51, State Bank of Pakistan reported.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 07:04pm

Pakistan

PTI's Government to provide 'free' COVID-19 vaccine to all residents

The secretary made the announcement on twitter stating: “The PTI government will provide the coronavirus vaccine free of charge to people.”

Updated 02 Dec, 2020 06:50pm

South Asia

"Milestone" Agreement reached in the Afghan Peace negotiations, according to Khalilzad

On Wednesday, the democratically-elected Afghan government and the Taliban reached a milestone agreement, which would pave the way for a comprehensive ceasefire and a political roadmap.

Updated 02 Dec, 2020 06:44pm

World

WHO tightens guidelines on mask-wearing in COVID-19 areas

If they cannot maintain physical distancing of at least one meter (3 ft), people in those indoor locations – including children and students aged 12 or over – should also wear a mask even if the spaces are well ventilated, it said in a tightening of its guidelines.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 06:19pm

Technology

VIVO to set up smartphone manufacturing plant in Pakistan

The minister made the announcement on Twitter stating: “International smartphone brand VIVO has decided to establish a smart phone manufacturing facility in Pakistan. Land purchased.”

Updated 02 Dec, 2020 06:10pm

Pakistan

Ensuring transparency, accountability: PM approves new rules for civil servants

Timelines have also been introduced at every step of the proceedings, with maximum 14 days given to submit response to charges levelled

Published 02 Dec, 2020 04:57pm

Stocks

Australian shares end flat as central bank governor flags ‘bumpy’ road to recovery

There is still a high degree of uncertainty about the outlook, said Reserve Bank Governor Philip Lowe, adding that the economic recovery is underway, but will be "uneven and bumpy".

Published 02 Dec, 2020 05:04pm

Energy

LNG tankers heading to Britain, Belgium and the Netherlands

Estimated arrival dates, often revised by port authorities and AIS Live ship-tracking data on Refinitiv Eikon, are updated below.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 05:02pm

Europe

Russia reports record 589 coronavirus deaths, 25,345 new infections

Authorities also reported 25,345 coronavirus infections in the last 24 hours, including 5,191 in the capital Moscow, and 3,684 in St Petersburg, bringing the national cumulative tally to 2,347,401.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 05:00pm

Stocks

China shares end flat as healthcare losses offset gains in property stocks

The index hit its highest since February 2018 earlier in the session, as investors cheered better-than-expected manufacturing data and hopes of continued economic recovery.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 04:48pm

Stocks

Saudi shares ease, other markets gain after UK's Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine approval

Britain said the vaccine developed by Pfizer and partner BioNTech will be rolled out from early next week, a boost for investors worldwide.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 04:46pm

Europe

Poland's unemployment rate could approach 7pc, deputy PM says

Gowin did not indicate what the unemployment rate might be in November.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 04:41pm

Forex

Kenyan shilling weakens; Central bank weighs in on market divergence, say traders

At 0830 GMT, commercial banks posted the shilling at 110.30/50 per dollar, its lowest level ever, slightly down from 110.20/40 the previous day.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 04:39pm

Forex

Sterling slips below $1.34 as Brexit trade deal doubts emerge

The pound hit a three-month high against dollar on Tuesday evening after UK broadcaster Times Radio said the trade deal talks had entered the "tunnel" stage of negotiations.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 04:35pm

World

New Zealand's Ardern declares 'climate emergency'

Greenpeace campaigner Kate Simcock said Ardern's action on climate did not match her rhetoric.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 04:35pm

Forex

Dollar rises from 2 1/2-year lows, risk currencies retreat

In early trading in London, the euro set a 2020 high of $1.2088 against the dollar, its highest since April 2018. It last traded at $1.2060.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 04:32pm

World

US probes 'bribery' scheme to seek White House pardon

The New York Times reported that Trump has discussed granting preemptive pardons to his lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, his three oldest children and his son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 04:31pm

Business & Finance

ECC removes Regulatory Duty on cotton yarn

“The ECC today approved removal of Regulatory Duty on Cotton Yarn. This will facilitate the exports of apparel sector,’ said Dawood in a tweet post.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 04:24pm

Commodities

Vietnam buys about 68,000 tonnes soymeal in tender

Deliveries up to March 2021 were thought to have been bought at a premium over soymeal futures equating to an outright price of about $475 a tonne for shipment to the south of the country.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 04:16pm

Asia

Japan residents to get free Covid-19 vaccine

But it is now facing a third wave of the disease, reporting record numbers of daily infections nationwide in recent weeks.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 04:29pm

Europe

Italy's health minister says COVID vaccines to be free, distribution in Q1 2021

Italy was the first Western country hit by the virus, registering 56,361 COVID-19 deaths since the outbreak emerged in February, the second highest toll in Europe after Britain's.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 04:13pm

Commodities

Thailand buyer purchases 54,000 tonnes feed wheat

It was purchased for March 1-31, 2021, shipment at around $274.50 a tonne c&f. Seller was believed to be trading house Cargill, they said.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 04:11pm

Energy

UK GAS-Prompt prices mixed on oversupply, cooler temperature forecasts

Britain's gas system was oversupplied with demand forecast at 311.8 mcm and supply seen at 326.3 mcm/day on Wednesday, National Grid data showed.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 04:07pm

Forex

Yuan ends at 2-week high; Biden comments on trade deal cap gains

Traders said strength in the yuan on Wednesday was largely due to a weaker dollar, which hovered near a 2-1/2-year low.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 04:04pm

Industry

Export Target of Kinnow set at $210 Million: PFVA Patron Chief

The All Pakistan Fruit & Vegetable Exporters, Importers & Merchants Association (PFVA) sets an export target of Kinnow at 350,000 tons to generate a revenue of US$210 million for this year, according to Waheed Ahmed, PFVA Patron Chief.

Updated 02 Dec, 2020 04:06pm

Stocks

London stocks subdued as Brexit fears offset first vaccine approval

The blue-chip FTSE 100 was up just 0.1pc and the mid-cap FTSE 250 down 0.6pc, even as the government said the vaccine would be rolled out from early next week.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 04:03pm

Business & Finance

China central bank, HKMA studying 'Southbound' Bond Connect

A "Northbound" leg of the Bond Connect scheme was launched in July 2017, giving foreign investors access to China's onshore bond market.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 04:01pm

Stocks

Stocks rest after vaccine progress, dollar stuck at 2-1/2 year low

Britain on Wednesday became the first country in the world to approve the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use, saying it would start rolling it out early next week.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 03:58pm

Forex

Ugandan shilling stable as commodity flows offer some support

At 0932 GMT commercial banks quoted the shilling at 3,690/3,700, same level as Tuesday's close.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 03:52pm

Stocks

Tokyo stocks edge up on vaccine, stimulus hopes

In Tokyo, automakers were higher with Toyota climbing 0.86 percent to 7,079 yen, Honda jumping 5.08 percent to 3,047 yen and Nissan growing 1.80 percent to 513.1 yen.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 03:55pm

USA

Trump threatens military spending veto in social media bias battle

Republican officials have accused tech firms of censoring conservative voices and grilled Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg and Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey during congressional hearings earlier in November.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 03:51pm

Europe

WHO issues fresh advice on mask-wearing for public, health workers

Health workers could wear N95 masks if available when caring for COVID-19 patients, but the only proven protection is when they are doing aerosol-generating procedures.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 03:48pm

Stocks

European stocks fall at open

London's benchmark FTSE 100 index dipped 0.1 percent to 6,380.35 points having closed up 1.9 percent Tuesday on vaccine hopes.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 03:48pm

Commodities

South Korea's FLC buys 65,000 tonnes corn in private deal

The corn can be sourced from optional origins and was purchased at an estimated $239.90 a tonne c&f plus a $1.25 a tonne surcharge for additional port unloading.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 03:46pm

World

Covid vaccines will allow return to normality: UK PM

"It's the protection of vaccines that will ultimately allow us to reclaim our lives and get the economy moving again," he said, after regulators gave the green light in a world first.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 03:46pm

Stocks

Hong Kong shares close lower on tech, healthcare retreat

The sub-index of the Hang Seng tracking energy shares rose 0.7pc, the IT sector dipped 2.09pc, the financial sector ended 0.59pc higher and the property sector rose 0.11pc.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 03:42pm

World

Biden vows no quick rollback of Trump's China tariffs

Biden has targeted Beijing on several fronts and singled out Chinese President Xi Jinping during a debate with other presidential candidates in February.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 03:44pm

World

Second cyclone in a week threatens Sri Lanka, India

The Indian Meteorological Department issued a red alert in several areas across both states and suspended fishing activity in some areas until Friday.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 03:37pm

World

Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 63.37 million, death toll at 1,475,392

Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in December 2019.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 03:41pm

USA

Backing Australia, U.S. State Dept says China hit 'new low' with doctored image

The United States has called China’s use of a digitally manipulated image of an Australian soldier a “new low”, weighing in on the dispute between Canberra and Beijing over the tweet.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 03:37pm

Commodities

South Korea's SPC buys 31,600 tonnes U.S./Canadian milling wheat

The purchase involved a series of different wheat grades for shipment in February 2021, they said.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 03:39pm

Pakistan

PIA terminates 24 employees over fake degrees, corrupt practices

The national carrier issued letters of displeasure and caution to eight employees, whereas, eight workers were cleared in the inquiries against them

Published 02 Dec, 2020 03:21pm

Europe

UK approves Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, first in the world

British leaders said that, while they would love to get a jab themselves, priority had to be given to those most in need - the elderly, those in care homes and health workers.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 03:37pm

Commodities

Algeria tenders to buy about 35,000 tonnes corn

Corn shipment is sought by Jan. 5, 2021.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 03:35pm

World

More than 900 Syrian fighters return home from Karabakh: monitor

"More than 900 fighters from pro-Ankara factions have returned to Syria in several waves," the latest on November 27, Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 03:35pm

Energy

Oil prices steady as market awaits output deal

Brent crude oil futures were down 9 cents, or 0.2pc, at $47.33 a barrel by 1012 GMT, while West Texas Intermediate crude was down 11 cents, or 0.3pc, at $44.44.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 03:34pm

US attorney general says no evidence of decisive election fraud

Recent news reports have said that Trump is unhappy with Barr for not making efforts to support the president's reelection.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 03:29pm

Commodities

Algeria tenders to buy 25,000 tonnes feed barley

The OAIC also issued a separate tender on Wednesday for 35,000 tonnes of corn.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 03:31pm

Pakistan

51 policemen infected with COVID-19 in last three days in Sindh

20 officials have also lost their lives to the novel virus.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 03:30pm

Europe

Poland passes 1 million coronavirus cases

On Wednesday, a further 13,855 coronavirus cases and 609 deaths were reported, health ministry data showed, bringing the total to 1,013,747 confirmed cases and 18,208 deaths.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 03:29pm

Europe

EU warns of risks of COVID-19 vaccine race after UK approval of Pfizer shot

Britain is the first Western country to approve a COVID-19 vaccine, a move that many see as a political coup for Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 03:23pm

Barnier says no guarantee of Brexit trade deal

"We are quickly approaching a make or break moment in the Brexit talks," Barnier told a video meeting of European envoys, a diplomat said, in an account of the video meeting confirmed by other sources.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 03:27pm

Pakistan

Al Azizya reference: IHC declares Nawaz Sharif proclaimed offender

The court observed that notices will also be issued to the guarantors of Nawaz Sharif

Published 02 Dec, 2020 02:50pm

Business & Finance

'Second wave' hampers Pakistan’s Refining, Fuel Demand Growth Outlooks: Report

The report said that a sharp resurgence in new daily Covid-19 infections in Pakistan has put the brakes on the government’s economic reopening plans after earlier lockdowns.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 02:46pm

USA

Trump family urges U.S. appeals court to move marketing scam lawsuit to arbitration

The lawyer, Thomas McCarthy, told the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan the plaintiffs were “done in by the allegations of their own complaint,” and that their proposed class action concerning the multi-level marketing company American Communications Network belonged in arbitration.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 02:46pm

USA

U.S. may start sharing sensitive intelligence with Honduras in drug fight

A proposed memorandum of understanding on intelligence sharing, which has not previously been reported, has yet to be finalized by the U.S. and Honduran governments. Still, Honduras has already agreed to a key U.S. recommendation that it rescind authority to shoot down suspected drug trafficking planes flying into the country.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 02:22pm

Technology

Hyundai Motor to launch dedicated EV platform in major push into electric cars

The plan underscores efforts by the world’s No.5 auto group to become a major player in the global EV market, as car makers around the world are pouring billions of dollars of investment to improve battery technology, which keeps EV prices high compared with combustion engine models.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 02:09pm

Asia

Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong jailed for over 13 months for anti-govt protest

Wong’s sentence comes as critics say the Beijing-backed government is intensifying a crackdown on Hong Kong’s opposition and wide-ranging freedoms guaranteed after the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997, a charge authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong reject.

Updated 02 Dec, 2020 02:05pm

Pakistan

PDM adamant to hold public gathering at Lahore's Minar-e-Pakistan

The PML-N stated that a huge crowd is expected at the venue of the public meeting and asked the local administration to ensure requisite security arrangements

Published 02 Dec, 2020 01:32pm

Sports

Eighth member of Pakistan squad tests positive for COVID-19 in New Zealand

The health department said the team would not be allowed to train together until doctors were confident it would not lead to more coronavirus cases.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 01:35pm

Taxes

November Tax Collection Close to Target of Rs348bn: FBR

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is close to meeting its target of Rs348 billion for the month of November as total revenue collection reaches Rs347 billion.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 01:34pm

Industry

Cement Exports Hampered by Congestion at Karachi Port

The exports of cement are hampered at the Karachi Port as the deep draft berths remain occupied by wheat importing vessels.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 01:18pm

Pakistan

Govt will initiate work to grant provincial status to Gilgit Baltistan on priority, says PM

Imran says the government has also planned to bring health insurance and Ehsaas programme and boost tourism in the region for welfare of the people

Updated 02 Dec, 2020 01:15pm

Business & Finance

Argentina Air Force considering to purchase Pakistan's JF-17 Thunder jets

It has been reported that due to the unavailability of financial resources, the military authorities of Argentina want to buy Pakistan-made JF-17 Thunder instead of buying expensive fighter jets from Britain.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 12:57pm

World

New Zealand declares climate emergency, promises carbon neutral government by 2025

New Zealand promised its public sector would become carbon neutral by 2025 as it declared a climate emergency on Wednesday, a symbolic move that critics said needed to be backed with greater actions to reduce emissions.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 12:44pm

World

UK approves Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, first in the world

The vaccine will be made available across the UK from next week.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 12:43pm

Pakistan

Petition filed in LHC seeking ban on PDM's Lahore rally

The petition was filed by Advocate Nadeem Sarwar in which he stated that a health emergency has been enforced in the country in wake of coronavirus pandemic and the PDM leaders are violating the SOPs issued by the government

Published 02 Dec, 2020 12:34pm

Pakistan

India wants Pakistan to release another prisoner before deciding about Kalbhushan Jadhav

IHC has given three week's time to the Indian High Commission to decide whether it wants to appoint a lawyer for Jadhav.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 12:40pm

Technology

Privacy Concerns Trump Law Enforcement as Massachusetts Lawmakers Ban Facial Recognition

Lawmakers in Massachusetts voted to pass state-wide police ban on facial recognition by law enforcement.
State-level bans on facial recognition offer important lessons for developing countries like Pakistan, which are increasingly investing in safe city projects.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 12:38pm

Business & Finance

Pakistan’s Nov exports ‘highest during last 10 years’: Dawood

“This indicates a rising trend in our exports and I hope that with efforts of our exporters, this trend will continue,” he added.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 12:13pm

Companies

Toyota IMC discontinues Corolla Altis Grande 1.8L Manual

Toyota Indus Motors (IMC) is not offering the Corolla Altis Grande's 1.8L Manual variant for sale anymore.
The company hopes to launch its Altis X-Package car in January 2021.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 11:53am

Pakistan

PM to attend oath taking ceremony of new GB cabinet today

He will also attend a briefing on new national parks in the region.

Updated 02 Dec, 2020 11:31am

Business & Finance

FBR confiscate non-duty/ counterfeit cigarettes worth millions

The operations are being carried out by the Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation (Inland Revenue), Faisalabad as part of a drive to curb the illegal trade of non-duty / counterfeit cigarettes.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 11:27am

Pakistan

After Karachi, Islamabad bans indoor dining

All assistant commissioners and subdivisional magistrates would remain in the field to ensure the orders issued under the Epidemic Diseases Act in order to prevent further covid infection, the DC tweeted.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 11:24am

Pakistan

Punjab govt extends parole of Shehbaz, Hamza for one day

The extension in parole was approved by Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar

Published 02 Dec, 2020 11:09am

Business & Finance

Agreement inked for construction of 700MW Azad Pattan Hydropower Project

The Governments of AJ&K and Punjab will earn a significant amount of revenue on account of taxes, fees, etc, while during the operation period water use charges of approx., he added.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 10:50am

Pakistan

COVID-19 pandemic: 75 deaths, 2,829 fresh cases reported across country

NCOC states that the number of fatalities due to the virus is the highest in the last four months

Published 02 Dec, 2020 10:42am

Technology

Video conferencing app Zoom enjoys exponential rise in sales thanks to COVID-19

In the third quarter of 2020, analysts had expected Zoom's revenue to increase by $694 million, but the increase turned out to be higher than expected.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 10:37am

Life & Style

Juno actor Elliot Page comes out as transgender

Page received messages of support on social media.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 10:18am

Business & Finance

Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi raises $3.9 billion in equity deal - term sheet

The price is at the lower end of the range flagged by the company on Tuesday when it said the deal would be between HK$23.70 and HK$24.50.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 10:17am

Business & Finance

Oil prices drop on U.S. stock build, delay in OPEC+ meeting

Brent crude oil futures were down by 41 cents, or 0.9%, at $47.01 a barrel by 0358 GMT, while West Texas Intermediate crude was down by 46 cents, or 1%, at $44.09.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 10:15am

USA

U.S. ready for 'immediate mass shipment' of COVID-19 vaccines: agency

The U.S. Transportation Department said Tuesday it has made preparations to enable the “immediate mass shipment” of COVID-19 vaccines and completed all necessary regulatory measures.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 10:15am

Business & Finance

SoftBank winding down options trading after investor backlash: Bloomberg News

The company is letting its options expire, instead of maintaining its positions, according to the report.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 10:13am

Technology

From hate speech to nudity, Facebook's oversight board picks its first cases

The board, which Facebook created in response to criticism of its handling of problematic content, said it had received 20,000 cases since it opened its doors in October.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 10:12am

Pakistan

PDM denied permission to hold rally in Lahore

PDM plans to hold its public meeting in the city on December 11.

Updated 02 Dec, 2020 10:12am

Business & Finance

Hyundai Motor to launch dedicated EV platform in major push into electric cars

Market leader Tesla said in September it aims to halve the cost of its EV batteries and bring more production of the key auto component in-house to lower EV prices to $25,000 each.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 10:10am

Middle East

Iranian MPs seek hardening of nuclear stance after scientist killed

A bill requiring Iran’s government to suspend nuclear inspections unless sanctions are lifted, and ignore other restraints on its nuclear programme agreed with major powers, was passed by the hardline-led parliament on Tuesday.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 10:00am

USA

Bipartisan U.S. lawmakers, Senate leader McConnell float new coronavirus aid bills

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers on Tuesday unveiled a $908 billion COVID-19 relief bill aimed at breaking a months long deadlock between Democrats and Republicans over new emergency assistance for small businesses, unemployed people, airlines and other industries during the pandemic.

Published 02 Dec, 2020 09:30am

BR Research

Emco Industries Limited

Emco Industries Limited (PSX: EMCO) started off in 1951 with a very small facility within the premises of its parent...

Published 02 Dec, 2020 07:45am

BR Research

Of Covid-19 and ad spend

Similar to many sectors, Covid-19 has been a disaster for the advertising and marketing industry globally as evident...

Published 02 Dec, 2020 07:40am

BR Research

Cement’s second coming

While the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) is on a trail to investigate anti-competitive activities by ...

Published 02 Dec, 2020 07:35am

BR Research

Oil looks for reasons to rally

Crude oil gained a little under 5 percent in November over the last month. Usually, a change of this magnitude does...

Published 02 Dec, 2020 07:30am

BR Research

Circular debt reduction: time to decide

Making a workable plan to pay the circular debt stock on the CPPA-G books and to reduce the built up of flows is top...

Published 02 Dec, 2020 07:25am

Europe

Two killed as car tears through pedestrian zone in Germany

TRIER, (Germany): At least two people were killed and several injured when a car tore through a pedestrian shopping...

Updated 02 Dec, 2020 03:52am

World

Twitter rejects call to remove Chinese official's fake Australian troops tweet

SYDNEY: Twitter on Tuesday rebuffed Australian calls to remove a Beijing official's incendiary tweet targeting...

Updated 02 Dec, 2020 03:51am

Business & Finance

Afghanistan working on new visa regime for Pakistan: Daudzai

PESHAWAR: Special envoy of the Afghanistan President for Pakistan, Omer Daudzai has said that a new visa regime for...

Updated 02 Dec, 2020 03:41am

Life & Style

Aaj TV - Wednesday's schedule

All timings are in PST (Pakistan Standard Time).

Updated 02 Dec, 2020 03:13am